Pneumatic Trench Compaction Wheel Attachment for an Excavator

ABSTRACT

A pneumatic wheel attachment for an excavator boom that provides an efficient means for trench compaction. The pneumatic wheel attachment includes a pneumatic compaction wheel, a wheel yoke, and a boom mounting assembly. The pneumatic compaction wheel is a large tire with a large foot print. The wheel yoke holds and supports the pneumatic compaction wheel and includes a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting plate. The first leg and the second leg are positioned opposite to each other. The first leg is connected perpendicular to the connecting plate while the second leg is mounted perpendicular to the connecting plate. The pneumatic compaction wheel is rotatably mounted in between the first leg and the second leg with a rotation axis being oriented perpendicular to the first leg. The boom mounting assembly is adjacently connected to the connecting plate, opposite the first leg and the second leg.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/319,196 filed on Apr. 6, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a construction device. More specifically, the present invention is a pneumatic wheel attachment for an excavator which provides a more efficient level of trench compaction than conventional methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trench compaction is required for areas in the ground where construction and other similar type of work has been implemented as the backfill is initially low in density and is susceptible to depression. Additionally, wet and sticky soils have commonly been a problem for trench compaction with traditional means. Pad-foot type steel compaction wheels clog with dirt and quickly become ineffective. Vibratory plate compactors, while effective, are very expensive and require additional hydraulic plumbing on an excavator to operate the vibratory plate compactor. The present invention is designed to operate in soft wet soils to achieve optimum compaction without clogging with dirt or requiring the extra hydraulic plumbing. Currently, field trials are being conducted with the present invention's prototype. Initial results show performance improvement over traditional pad-foot type steel compaction wheels of 300% in terms of daily productivity.

The present invention is a pneumatic compaction wheel attachment for the boom of a hydraulic excavator. The pneumatic compaction wheel provides a wide and flat surface to press against a significantly large surface area of backfill and compact said backfill. The rolling motion required for the present invention is smooth and yields a large foot print, thus increasing efficiency for trench compaction relative to traditional methods. The present invention is attached to the end of an excavator boom such that the boom may provide the down force required to compact the backfill. The present invention is then rolled back and forth in the trench to achieve the desired compaction. The present invention does not clog with dirt, get stuck, or have mechanical issues. The motion of the present invention is very smooth with very little stress being placed upon the excavator as can be experienced by impact type compaction. A minimum of two back and forth passes with the present invention achieves the standard desired compaction. The resultant speed is nearly three times faster than with other traditional means. Typical application involves backfilling a trench with one foot of material, then rolling with two passes. This is followed by a nuclear density test to verify that moisture and density requirements are met. Then, the process is repeated again with another backfill lift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention without the excavator boom.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the present invention without the excavator boom.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention generally relates to trench compaction mechanisms. More specifically, the present invention is a pneumatic wheel attachment for an excavator boom 16. The present invention provides a more efficient means for trench compaction when compared to traditional means such as vibratory plates and pad-foot steel compaction wheels.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a pneumatic compaction wheel 6, a wheel yoke 8, and a boom mounting assembly 1. The pneumatic compaction wheel 6 is a relatively large pneumatic wheel with a preferred width nearly equal to the width of the trench to be backfilled. The pneumatic compaction wheel 6 has a relatively large diameter that creates a smooth rolling compaction with a large foot print. The large foot print allows the present invention to engage and press against a large surface area, thus decreasing the number of passes required to effectively compact a trench. The wheel yoke 8 holds and supports the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 and allows the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 to rotate freely. Additionally, the wheel yoke 8 transmits the downward force from the excavator to the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The wheel yoke 8 comprises a first leg 9, a second leg 10, and a connecting plate 11. The first leg 9 and the second leg 10 are each an elongated plate with a height greater than a radius of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The first leg 9 and the second leg 10 are positioned opposite to each other across the connecting plate 11. The first leg 9 is connected perpendicular to the connecting plate 11. Similarly, the second leg 10 is mounted perpendicular to the connecting plate 11, resulting in a U-shape as seen in FIG. 1 that is sized to receive the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The connecting plate 11 is wider than the width of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The pneumatic compaction wheel 6 is positioned in between the first leg 9 and the second leg 10 with a rotation axis 7 of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 being perpendicular to the first leg 9 and the second leg 10. Additionally, the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 is rotatably mounted to the first leg 9 and the second leg 10, thus allowing the relative movement between the wheel yoke 8 and the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The boom mounting assembly 1 allows the excavator boom 16 to attach to the wheel yoke 8 and the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 of the present invention. In particular, the boom mounting assembly 1 is adjacently connected to the connecting plate 11, opposite the first leg 9 and the second leg 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the boom mounting assembly 1 comprises a pair of pin-lock mechanisms 2, a first ear 18, and a second ear 19. The first ear 18 and a second ear 19 are each an elongated plate that are sized and positioned to compliment the traditional design of the excavator boom 16. The first ear 18 and the second ear 19 are positioned adjacent to the connecting plate 11, opposite the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. Additionally, the first ear 18 and the second ear 19 are positioned offset and parallel to each other. Furthermore, the first ear 18 and the second ear 19 are connected perpendicular, preferably welded, to the connecting plate 11 such that an excavator boom-receiving cavity is outlined by the first ear 18, the second ear 19, and the top surface of the connecting plate 11. The first ear 18 and the second ear 19 are preferably composed of a metal material such as steel and are thick enough to withstand the bearing pressure associated with the operations of the present invention. The pair of pin-lock mechanisms 2 attach the first ear 18 and the second ear 19 to a free end 17 of the excavator boom 16, similar to traditional fastening means for excavator attachment devices such as a bucket. More specifically, the free end 17 of the excavator boom 16 is positioned in between the first ear 18 and the second ear 19, opposite the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. Each of the pair of pin-lock mechanisms 2 is mechanically integrated in between the first ear 18, the second ear 19, and the excavator boom 16 in order to attach the free end 17 of the excavator boom 16 to the wheel yoke 8. For rotational stability, the pair of pin-lock mechanisms 2 are positioned offset to each other, thus ensuring that the wheel yoke 8 does not rotate relative to the excavator boom 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, each of the pair of pin-lock mechanisms 2 comprises a first hole 3, a second hole 4, and a locking pin 5. The first hole 3 laterally traverses through the first ear 18 and the second ear 19, preferably oriented parallel to the rotation axis 7 of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The second hole 4 laterally traverses through the excavator boom 16, adjacent to the free end 17 of the excavator boom 16. The first hole 3 and the second hole 4 are the same size and, furthermore, sized receive to the locking pin 5. The locking pin 5 is a steel pin which interlocks the first ear 18, the second ear 19, and the excavator boom 16 through an interference connection. In order to attach the wheel yoke 8 to the excavator boom 16, the locking pin 5 is positioned traversing through the first hole 3 and the second hole 4. This mechanically couples the excavator boom 16 to the wheel yoke 8, and thus the pneumatic compaction wheel 6.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first ear 18 and the second ear 19 are further supported by a plurality of first support braces 20 and a plurality of second support braces 21 to ensure that the first ear 18 and the second ear 19 can withstand the pressures and forces associated with trench compaction. Each of the plurality of first support braces 20 is a triangularly shaped piece of metal that is designed to act as a support rib for the first ear 18. More specifically, the plurality of first support braces 20 is distributed along the first ear 18 with each of the plurality of support braces being connected in between the first ear 18 and the connecting plate 11. Similarly, each of the plurality of second support braces 21 is a triangularly shaped piece of metal that is designed to act as a support rib for the second ear 19. More specifically, the plurality of second support braces 21 is distributed along the second ear 19 with each of the plurality of second support braces 21 being connected in between the second ear 19 and the connecting plate 11.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 is connected inside and to the wheel yoke 8 through an axle 14 and an at least one wheel hub bearing 15. The axle 14 supports and carries the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. Thus, the axle 14 is positioned coincident with the rotation axis 7 of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 and is positioned in between the first leg 9 and the second leg 10. More specifically, the axle 14 is connected perpendicular to the first leg 9 and is attached perpendicular to the second leg 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second leg 10 is removable in order to allow the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 to be removed, repaired, or replaced; thus, the axle 14 is attached to the second leg 10 as seen in FIG. 3. The axle 14 traverses through the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 and is mechanically coupled to the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 by the wheel hub bearing 15. The wheel hub bearing 15 attaches the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 to the axle 14 while simultaneously allowing the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 to rotate relative and about the axle 14. The wheel hub bearing 15 is positioned concentric with the axle 14 and is connected in between the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 and the axle 14. It is preferred that the at least one wheel hub bearing 15 comprises a first wheel hub bearing and a second wheel hub bearing to ensure adequate support and stability for the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. The first wheel hub bearing is positioned on a first lateral side of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6, while the second wheel hub bearing is positioned on a second lateral side of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. Thus, ensuring symmetrical stability for the pneumatic compaction wheel 6. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, alternative mechanisms and devices may couple the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 to the axle 14 such as roller bearings and bushings.

It is preferred that the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 is a pneumatic wheel and is composed of rubber. A pneumatic design provides uniform and lateral dispersion of compaction forces that cannot be achieved by a steel wheel. Additionally, the solid surface of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 ensures that no clogging occurs when the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 rolls on the trench floor repeatedly, unlike metal pad foot wheel designs. The pneumatic design also conforms to the floor of the trench as the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 flexes. This achieves excellent ground penetration and the interlocking of particles in the soils. Compaction is about removing the voids. This is why asphalt pavers use pneumatic rollers to drive upon in conjunction with their steel wheel roller. The steel wheel gives a smooth surface, but the drive-on pneumatic creates the desired density quicker. Since, appearance doing trench backfill lifts is not a concern, only the pneumatic design needed to be introduced to the process. As a result, the present invention is much faster, simpler, and does not clog.

The critical point of the present invention is the large diameter, heavy, pneumatic-based pneumatic compaction wheel 6. Any other adaptations of this element which have the same characteristics should be viewed as similar in concept. These elements are the critical pieces that have not been previously employed, given the size and capability to quickly achieve compaction which is unique to pneumatic surfaces. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height to width ratio of the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 is 2.5 to 1, yielding a smooth application of pressure with minimal point loading.

Referring to FIG. 2, in order to allow the pneumatic compaction wheel 6 to be removed from the wheel yoke 8, the second leg 10 is removably mounted to the connecting plate 11. More specifically, the second leg 10 is mounted to the connected plate through a mounting flange 12 and a plurality of fastening mechanisms 13. The mounting flange 12 is an elongated plate which is shaped and sized complimentary to the second leg 10. The mounting flange 12 is connected perpendicular to the connecting plate 11, opposite the first leg 9, in order to receive the second leg 10. In particular, the second leg 10 is positioned parallel and adjacent to the mounting flange 12, opposite the first leg 9 and is secured through the plurality of fastening mechanisms 13. The plurality of fastening mechanisms 13 attach the second leg 10 to the mounting flange 12. The plurality of fastening mechanisms 13 is distributed about the mounting flange 12 with each of the fastening mechanisms traversing through the mounting flange 12 and the second leg 10. It is preferred that each of the fastening mechanisms is a nut-and-bolt fastener in order to allow for the easy attachment and detachment of the second leg 10. Although, alternative mechanisms may be used for each of the plurality of fastening mechanisms 13. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first leg 9 and the second leg 10 are each welded to the connecting plate 11.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator comprises: a boom mounting assembly; a pneumatic compaction wheel; a wheel yoke; the wheel yoke comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting plate; the first leg and the second leg being positioned offset and opposite to each other, across the connecting plate; the first leg being connected perpendicular to the connecting plate; the second leg being mounted perpendicular to the connecting plate; a rotation axis of the pneumatic compaction wheel being oriented perpendicular to the first leg and the second leg; the pneumatic compaction wheel being positioned in between the first leg and the second leg; the pneumatic compaction wheel being rotatably mounted to the first leg and the second leg; and the boom mounting assembly being adjacently connected to the connecting plate, opposite the first leg and the second leg.
 2. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a mounting flange; a plurality of fastening mechanisms; the mounting flange being connected perpendicular to the connecting plate, opposite the first leg; the second leg being positioned parallel and adjacent to the mounting flange, opposite the first leg; the plurality of fastening mechanisms being distributed about the mounting flange; and each of the plurality of fastening mechanisms traversing through the mounting flange and the second leg.
 3. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of fastening mechanisms is a nut-and-bolt fastener.
 4. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: an axle; an at least one wheel hub bearing; the axle being positioned coincident with the rotation axis of the pneumatic compaction wheel; the axle being positioned in between the first leg and the second leg; the axle being connected perpendicular to the first leg; the axle being attached perpendicular to the second leg; the axle traversing through the pneumatic compaction wheel; the wheel hub bearing being positioned concentric with the axle; and the wheel hub bearing being connected in between the pneumatic compaction wheel and the axle.
 5. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 1 comprises: an excavator boom; the boom mounting assembly comprises a pair of pin-lock mechanisms, a first ear, and a second ear; the first ear and the second ear being positioned adjacent to the connecting plate, opposite the pneumatic compaction wheel; the first ear and the second ear being positioned offset and parallel to each other; the first ear and the second ear being connected perpendicular to the connecting plate; a free end of the excavator boom being positioned in between the first ear and the second ear, opposite the pneumatic compaction wheel; each of the pair of pin-lock mechanisms being mechanically integrated in between the first ear, the second ear, and the excavator boom; and the pair of pin-lock mechanisms being positioned offset to each other.
 6. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 5 comprises: each of the pair of pin-lock mechanisms comprises a first hole, a second hole, and a locking pin; the first hole laterally traversing through the first ear and the second ear; the second hole laterally traversing through the excavator boom, adjacent to the free end of the excavator boom; and the locking pin traversing through the first hole and the second hole.
 7. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 5 comprises: a plurality of first support braces; the plurality of first support braces being distributed along the first ear; and each of the plurality of first support braces being adjacently connected to the first ear and the connecting plate.
 8. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 5 comprises: a plurality of second support braces; the plurality of second support braces being distributed along the second ear; and each of the plurality of second support braces being adjacently connected to the second ear and the connecting plate.
 9. A pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator comprises: a boom mounting assembly; a pneumatic compaction wheel; a wheel yoke; an excavator boom; the wheel yoke comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting plate; the first leg and the second leg being positioned offset and opposite to each other, across the connecting plate; the first leg being connected perpendicular to the connecting plate; the second leg being mounted perpendicular to the connecting plate; a rotation axis of the pneumatic compaction wheel being oriented perpendicular to the first leg and the second leg; the pneumatic compaction wheel being positioned in between the first leg and the second leg; the pneumatic compaction wheel being rotatably mounted to the first leg and the second leg; the boom mounting assembly being adjacently connected to the connecting plate, opposite the first leg and the second leg; the boom mounting assembly comprises a pair of pin-lock mechanisms, a first ear, and a second ear; the first ear and the second ear being positioned adjacent to the connecting plate, opposite the pneumatic compaction wheel; the first ear and the second ear being positioned offset and parallel to each other; the first ear and the second ear being connected perpendicular to the connecting plate; a free end of the excavator boom being positioned in between the first ear and the second ear, opposite the pneumatic compaction wheel; each of the pair of pin-lock mechanisms being mechanically integrated in between the first ear, the second ear, and the excavator boom; and the pair of pin-lock mechanisms being positioned offset to each other.
 10. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 9 comprises: a mounting flange; a plurality of fastening mechanisms; the mounting flange being connected perpendicular to the connecting plate, opposite the first leg; the second leg being positioned parallel and adjacent to the mounting flange, opposite the first leg; the plurality of fastening mechanisms being distributed about the mounting flange; and each of the plurality of fastening mechanisms traversing through the mounting flange and the second leg.
 11. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of fastening mechanisms is a nut-and-bolt fastener.
 12. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 9 comprises: an axle; an at least one wheel hub bearing; the axle being positioned coincident with the rotation axis of the pneumatic compaction wheel; the axle being positioned in between the first leg and the second leg; the axle being connected perpendicular to the first leg; the axle being attached perpendicular to the second leg; the axle traversing through the pneumatic compaction wheel; the wheel hub bearing being positioned concentric with the axle; and the wheel hub bearing being connected in between the pneumatic compaction wheel and the axle.
 13. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 9 comprises: each of the pair of pin-lock mechanisms comprises a first hole, a second hole, and a locking pin; the first hole laterally traversing through the first ear and the second ear; the second hole laterally traversing through the excavator boom, adjacent to the free end of the excavator boom; and the locking pin traversing through the first hole and the second hole.
 14. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 9 comprises: a plurality of first support braces; the plurality of first support braces being distributed along the first ear; and each of the plurality of first support braces being adjacently connected to the first ear and the connecting plate.
 15. The pneumatic trench compaction wheel attachment for an excavator as claimed in claim 9 comprises: a plurality of second support braces; the plurality of second support braces being distributed along the second ear; and each of the plurality of second support braces being adjacently connected to the second ear and the connecting plate. 